Introduction
Lethal Company. The name conjures up images of desolate moons, claustrophobic industrial complexes, and the ever-present threat of something lurking in the shadows. This co-op survival horror game has taken the gaming world by storm, immersing players in a desperate fight for survival against both the environment and the creatures that inhabit it. Your primary objective: to gather scrap, meet quotas, and avoid becoming another statistic. Success hinges on cooperation, strategy, and the ability to adapt quickly to the ever-changing dangers you face.
Within this unforgiving universe, one tool reigns supreme for close-quarters combat: the shotgun. This powerful weapon is your best friend when confronted with the horrors that stalk the ship interiors and the alien landscapes. Its devastating close-range damage can mean the difference between life and a gruesome death. But even the most formidable weapon is useless without ammunition, and that’s where the challenge of reloading comes into play.
Reloading the shotgun in Lethal Company isn’t a complex mechanic, but in the heat of battle, the seemingly simple act can become a matter of life and death. Missteps can leave you vulnerable to attack, leading to a quick demise. Therefore, mastering the art of the quick and efficient reload is crucial for survival. This guide aims to demystify the reloading process, providing a clear and comprehensive step-by-step instruction on how to keep your shotgun loaded and ready for the next terrifying encounter. By the end of this guide, you’ll be reloading like a seasoned veteran, giving you the edge you need to survive the hazardous expeditions of Lethal Company.
Understanding the Shotgun and Ammunition in Lethal Company
The shotgun, often found within the desolate facilities or purchased from the company store, is a powerhouse of destruction. Its primary purpose is to deliver a high-impact burst of projectiles that can instantly incapacitate or eliminate many of the creatures you’ll encounter. It is a key defensive tool, offering a chance to push back against relentless enemies and clear a path through dangerous situations.
The ammunition for the shotgun is equally critical. Shells, commonly found scattered around the levels in containers, are the lifeblood of the shotgun. Without them, the shotgun is just a very heavy, albeit intimidating, piece of metal. Finding these shells can sometimes be a tense scavenger hunt in itself, as they are often found in areas where other, less friendly entities may also be present. It’s important to keep a keen eye out for these precious resources and learn where they are most likely to spawn on your expeditions. The more shells you find, the longer you can afford to hold the line against the horrors that lurk.
The shotgun typically holds a limited number of shells at any given time. Knowing this capacity is essential for tactical decision-making. Don’t go spraying wildly without thinking. The number of shots you can take before needing to reload has significant impact on your survival strategy. Be mindful of how many rounds you have left; knowing when to engage and when to retreat, depending on your ammo supply, can make the difference between completing your quota and being another forgotten employee.
The consequences of running out of ammunition are dire. Imagine being swarmed by a horde of creatures with a useless weapon in your hands. The feeling of vulnerability is immense, and the chances of survival plummet dramatically. That’s why proper reloading is not just a mechanical action; it’s a critical skill. Knowing how to reload quickly and efficiently, coupled with a strategy to find and conserve ammunition, is paramount for success in Lethal Company.
The Simple Act of Reloading
You’ve got the shotgun. You have shells. Now you need to know how to use it effectively. The key to survival is in the execution, and that includes knowing how to reload.
Finding the Shotgun in the harsh environments of Lethal Company can take some time. The shotgun is often acquired through the company store or discovered within the various derelict facilities you’ll explore. If you are using the company store, you must ensure your ship’s credit can afford the shotgun, because without the credit to afford it, you will be unable to obtain it. Otherwise, keep a close eye on your surroundings as you investigate these locations. These locations are often dangerous, so proceed cautiously. Always be ready to defend yourself.
If you didn’t purchase it, or you want to secure more ammo, now the focus shifts to the hunt for ammunition. Ammunition, specifically shotgun shells, can be discovered in a wide variety of locations. Searching through lockers, containers, and even hidden corners of industrial facilities may be your path to finding shells. A careful search through the ship and any facilities you visit will be vital to keeping yourself armed and prepared for anything.
The next crucial step involves understanding the key bind, or the button assigned to the act of reloading. This differs based on your chosen platform. The most common button is the “R” key on the keyboard. Regardless of your control scheme, this key is what you’ll be pressing to get your shotgun ready for the next volley. Be sure to configure your controls so that this key is easily accessible to you. You want to be able to reload quickly when faced with an incoming enemy, so you need to be able to press it with relative ease.
Now, onto the reload procedure itself, let’s break it down step by step.
Ensure Your Weapon is Not Firing
Before you can even begin to reload, you must make sure your shotgun isn’t in the middle of firing. Trying to reload mid-shot will lead to a wasted shell.
Press and Hold
The first step to reloading is to press and hold the designated reload key. This is typically “R” on most platforms.
Observing the Animation
As you hold the button, the reloading animation begins. You will see the player character begin to insert the shells. The exact animation duration varies slightly based on the platform and the number of shells left. It is important to watch the animation to understand its rhythm.
Release When Ready
The animation will finish when your character has finished loading a new shell. Releasing the key before the animation is complete may result in the reload not completing.
Check the Count
Once the animation has stopped, quickly check the new ammo count. The shell count should be refilled, provided you had additional shells available.
Visual aids, such as screenshots or video clips showing the reloading animation in action, can significantly enhance the learning process. Being able to see the exact animation, the insertion of the shells, and the timing can drastically improve your ability to reload the shotgun effectively.
Useful Tips for Weapon Usage and Reloading
Reloading is not just about pressing a button; it’s a skill. You need to be both mindful and strategic when using the shotgun, and understanding the best tactics can boost your chances of survival.
Reloading Strategically
Reloading Strategically is a must-have in Lethal Company. Never start reloading in the middle of a firefight. Look for opportune moments: when enemies are temporarily distracted, when you have a moment of relative peace, or when you’re retreating to a safer location. Prioritizing safety during reloading will drastically decrease your chances of becoming another victim.
Ammo Management
Ammo Management is a crucial part of weapon use. Only use as many shells as are necessary. Aim for precision. Try to make every shot count. The environment is dangerous and ammo is often in short supply, so consider how many enemies you’ll fight. Always aim for the head, and focus on getting rid of immediate threats.
Situational Awareness
Situational Awareness is key to Lethal Company. It’s critical to be aware of your surroundings. Know your exits, the positions of potential threats, and the location of your teammates. Don’t reload if an enemy is too close or nearby. If an enemy is advancing, your priority should be to take it down or retreat.
There are even a few techniques to speed up the reloading process, though the effectiveness may vary. Be aware of the reload time, practice using them, and become accustomed to them for when the time comes. Experimenting can help you refine your own reloading style.
Common Errors and Ways to Fix Them
Even the most experienced Lethal Company employees make mistakes. Let’s examine some common reloading pitfalls.
Running Out of Ammo During Combat
This is the most dangerous situation. You may be frantically trying to reload with an approaching monster, making you vulnerable. The best strategy is to have a pre-emptive reload. Ensure your shotgun is loaded before entering a potentially hostile area.
Being Interrupted During Reload
The reloading animation can be disrupted by damage. Try not to reload during risky encounters. If you are reloading and get hit, cancel the action to focus on survival.
Troubleshooting
If you are having reloading issues, verify your keybinds. Experiment with them, and if necessary, reset them to default.
Concluding Thoughts
Reloading the shotgun is not just a simple action; it is a vital skill. The dangers of the various derelict industrial facilities and moons require the use of a reliable weapon. Mastering this critical action is essential to survival in the terrifying world of Lethal Company. With a loaded shotgun, you can face down the creatures that roam the shadows.
Remember the key steps: understand your weapons capacity, choose when to reload, and always make sure to maintain situational awareness. The more you practice, the faster and more efficient you will become. Memorize the animation and incorporate it into your movement and combat strategies. The better you become at reloading the shotgun, the better you will become at surviving.
Consider exploring additional guides on weapons, survival strategies, and efficient teamwork, to enhance your chances of meeting your quotas. Keep your wits about you, stay vigilant, and never give up hope. The company depends on you.
